Ever since the first indications that President-Elect Obama would select Sen. Hillary Clinton to be the next Secretary of State, RH Reality Check has been calling for a replacement for Clinton who will be a true leader on, not just a supporter of, women’s health and rights in the Senate. Now comes news that Feminist Majority PAC and NOW PAC have endorsed Carolyn Maloney, Congresswoman from New York (and RH Reality Check contributor!) for Clinton’s seat. Maloney has been a leader on many issues of concern to women, including restoring funding to UNFPA and battling the birth control price hike. She has spoken vociferously in favor of equal pay legislation, and her recent book, "Rumors of Our Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated,"calls for a renewed movement for gender equality.

Congresswoman Maloney has served in Congress for 16 years and has also
served as a New York City Councilwoman. She chairs the Joint Economic
Committee of the House and Senate and the Financial Institutions
Subcommittee of the House’s Financial Services Committee. She is also a
senior member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Maloney has done key work on feminist issues including family and
medical leave, processing of rape kits, reproductive health issues, and
working to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, New York Governor David Paterson and Caroline Kennedy have discussed Kennedy’s taking the seat, reports ABC News.